2 Corinthians 8:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The Macedonians exceeded all expectation by first giving themselves to the Lord, and then to Paul.
What Does 2 Corinthians 8:5 Mean?
Paul confesses that their giving surpassed his hopes, 'not as we hoped,' but more. The secret lay in the order of things: 'first gave their own selves to the Lord.' Before they gave their money, they gave themselves. Then, 'by the will of God,' they gave themselves to Paul and his mission as well.
Here is the wellspring of all true generosity. The gift of the hand follows the gift of the self. When a person belongs first to the Lord, money is easy to surrender, for the heart that owns it has already been given away. Paul shows that God desires the giver before the gift. Everything offered to Him flows naturally once we have first laid down our own lives at His feet.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 8:5
What does 2 Corinthians 8:5 mean?
The Macedonians exceeded all expectation by first giving themselves to the Lord, and then to Paul.